Embedded Files
Week Four - September 19th, 2025
Head of Secondary School's Message
Dear Secondary Parents,
Thank you for what has been an exciting week of connections across our community. From our Principal Coffee Morning to our Secondary Back to School Day, it has been a real pleasure to meet so many of you and begin the year with strong partnerships between home and school.
Back to School Day – A Huge Success
Our Back to School Day was a wonderful opportunity to open our doors and share student learning with families. We were delighted to see such a strong turnout from our Middle School parents and, while attendance was smaller from High School families, those who joined gave very positive feedback about the experience.
These opportunities for parents and school to connect are not simply “nice to have” as they directly support student growth and wellbeing. Research consistently shows that students achieve better when schools and families work together. A recent article from Harvard Family Research Project highlights that regular and meaningful parent engagement fosters higher achievement, improved behavior, and stronger student motivation. We want every parent at GIS to be an active, engaged member of our community.
Acknowledging Different Needs
We also recognize that there is never one solution that meets the needs of all families. While feedback from attendees was very positive, we know that holding the event during the school day was challenging for some. Moving forward, we will continue to provide a variety of opportunities for parents to engage:
• Some sessions during the school day
• Online opportunities, such as our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences (October 13–14)
• Evening curriculum, program, or grade-level sessions
This way, every parent will have access to meaningful touch points throughout the year.
Save the Date – Secondary PTCs
Please mark your calendars:
Secondary Parent-Teacher Conferences
October 13–14 (Monday–Tuesday)
Held online
These conferences provide parents, students, and teachers the chance to discuss progress and set targets for growth. Students are encouraged to attend online so they fully understand their next steps. School will be closed for students on both days as all teachers will be engaged in conferences. Sign-up information will be shared in next Friday’s newsletter.
Working Together on Traffic
Thank you for supporting us as we review ways to ease traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up. As shared earlier this week, we are piloting a new drop-off process. Please read the information HERE. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work together to improve this daily routine for everyone.
Digital Safety and Social Media
A frequent conversation we have with parents is around student use of social media and digital safety. We have prepared a short message HERE with practical advice, links to resources, and information on upcoming school sessions. We encourage all parents to review this carefully and continue these important conversations at home.
Thank you again for your partnership and commitment to our students’ success. Together, we will ensure this year is filled with meaningful learning, growth, and connection.
Kind regards,
Aaron Kane
Head of Secondary
GEMS International School – Al Khail
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